Coolest cars under $25,000

A quality car doesn't have to be expensive. Kelley Blue Book ranked the 10 coolest cars for under $25,000. See what's on the list.

By Houston Chronicle Web Staff

on January 2, 2013 2:55 PM

Photo: Mazda

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2013 Dodge Dart: Dodge gives this sedan some power with a 160-horsepower turbocharged engine. Critics are drooling over this car. What KBB said: “A hot new face in the compact sedan field, the Dodge Dart puts its own high-styled spin on 4-door practicality.”

2013 Dodge Dart: Dodge gives this sedan some power with a 160-horsepower turbocharged engine. Critics are drooling over this car. What KBB said: “A hot new face in the compact sedan field, the Dodge Dart puts

Toyota Prius C: Consumers are eager to get cars with the best fuel economy for the cheapest price. This Toyota fits those criteria perfectly. What KBB said: “Definitely more geek chic than traditional cool, the Prius C makes this list by combining exceptional fuel economy of 53 mpg with a starting sticker price of less than $25,000.”

ToyotaPrius C: Consumers are eager to get cars with the best fuel economy for the cheapest price. This Toyota fits those criteria perfectly. What KBB said: “Definitely more geek chic than traditional cool,

2013 Mazda Miata MX-5: The Miata debuted 25 years ago, but it still packs the performance and agility. What KBB said: “You can’t have much more fun – especially within the confines of public roads – than you can in Mazda’s now-legendary little roadster.”

2013 Chevrolet Camaro: You might be surprised to hear that you can get a Camaro for under $25,000. The base model will still give you plenty of performance and style. What KBB said: “Cool is exemplified by its exterior design, which not only pays homage to previous generations of the vaunted pony car, but also thrusts it in a futuristic direction.”

2013 Chevrolet Camaro: You might be surprised to hear that you can get a Camaro for under $25,000. The base model will still give you plenty of performance and style. What KBB said: “Cool is exemplified by

2013 Ford Mustang: Ford’s iconic car has been revamped for the upcoming year. The car packs power, a bit of fuel economy and same classic design. What KBB said: “Bolder front and rear fascias add even more visual kick for 2013.”

2013 Volkswagen GTI: The German automaker has won plenty of hearts with its Volkswagen Golf. The GTI packs the same punch in a smaller package. What KBB said: “The venerable Volkswagen GTI combines a choice of two or four doors, hatchback versatility and the driving feel of a high-dollar European sports sedan.”

2013 Volkswagen GTI : The German automaker has won plenty... Photo-3974445.54581 - StamfordAdvocate

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2013 Jeep Wrangler: You can get the off-road feel without spending the big bucks. The Wrangler has plenty to offer those looking for a car on a budget. What KBB said: “If conquering mountains is your idea of cool, then you have to love a vehicle with the verve of a bulldog and the boulder-climbing ability of a billy goat.”

2013 Jeep Wrangler: You can get the off-road feel without spending the big bucks. The Wrangler has plenty to offer those looking for a car on a budget. What KBB said: “If conquering mountains is your idea

2013 Mini Cooper Coupe: Mini decided less could be more as it ditched two seats for its Mini Cooper Coupe. What KBB said: “Mini subtracted two seats and added even more style and agility to create what is essentially a go-kart for adults.”

2013 Mini Cooper Coupe: Mini decided less could be more as it ditched two seats for its Mini Cooper Coupe. What KBB said: “Mini subtracted two seats and added even more style and agility to create what is

2013 Ford Focus ST: Critics are in love with the Ford Focus’ EcoBoost 4-cylinder engine. The new engine gives it performance and fuel economy. What KBB said: “The 2013 Ford Focus ST finally brings an unadulterated European-performance version of one of the world’s most popular cars to American shores.”

2013 Scion FR-S: The economical sports car has gotten rave reviews, and Kelley Blue Book also heaped on the praise. What KBB said: “We like that it has a high-revving engine, sleek looks and enough grip to hang in the corners with cars twice its price.”

2013 Scion FR-S: The economical sports car has gotten rave reviews, and Kelley Blue Book also heaped on the praise. What KBB said: “We like that it has a high-revving engine, sleek looks and enough grip to